MP calls for HS2 answers

A PARLIAMENTARY forum to help people affected by HS2 get compensation has held its first meeting.

The HS2 mitigation and compensation forum was attended by MPs representing constituents along the length of the proposed high speed line, which was approved in January and will cut through the Boddingtons, Aston le Walls and Chipping Warden.

The aim of the forum is to properly discuss compensation before a Government consultation begins in May.

South Northants MP Andrea Leadsom, who is still opposed to HS2, said: “There are some real personal issues for people and there’s a lot of work to be done to mitigate for all of our communities.”

Mrs Leadsom said answers she had received from transport secretary Justine Greening had been “completely inadequate” and “unacceptable.”

Mrs Leadsom had asked Ms Greening what compensation would be available to deal with unforeseen circumstances of HS2 affecting residents.

She added: “We’re talking about homes that have been in families for generations. It’s not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about community life.”